During the month of April, I’ve chosen to blog through the alphabet. Each day I will use a letter to share a Name of the Lord that begins with that letter based on Proverbs 18:10 and the fact that there is strength in the Lord’s Name. I pray you’ll be blessed and that you’ll stop by often.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Proverbs 18:10 – NIV

Jesus

Today’s Name of the Lord seemed to be an easy one to share until I sat down at the computer to write about this Name. The Name Jesus is familiar. The Name Jesus holds so much. The Name Jesus says it all. And yet, I’m at a loss for words.

In the Philippians 2 passage of Paul’s description of Jesus, we find this line. “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.” (Philippians 2:9 – NIV) The Name is Jesus.

The name Jesus was a common name when Jesus was born. It is the Old Testament equivalent to Joshua and means “Jehovah is salvation.”

When Jesus was eight days old, He was taken to the temple to be circumcised and named. During this outing, Jesus and His earthly family met two faithful believers. Simeon was faithful and devout and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

Simeon took Jesus in his arms and spoke beautiful words of praise to God. Simeon knew that in this tiny babe the salvation of the world could be found. Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph as well as foretold what would occur during Jesus’ lifetime.

Mary and Joseph were amazed at what they heard. Oh they knew that Jesus was from God. But perhaps this was yet another sign to them that Jesus would be the One who would change their world (Luke 2:25-35).

On this same visit to the temple, they encountered the prophetess Anna. She had never left the temple since becoming a widow at a young age. Now, very old, she worshiped day and night, fasted and prayed.

When Anna saw Jesus, she praised God. She knew Jesus was the salvation God has promised. Anna told everyone who would listen about Jesus and how He would be the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:36-38).

Simeon and Anna were given the opportunity to gaze upon Jesus and as they looked upon this tiny child and spoke His Name, they knew exactly who Jesus was. The Savior of the world.

I suppose there is much more I could say about the Name of Jesus. But instead, I’ve decided to pull a piece of music that has been sung by hundreds of thousands, if not millions since it was released in 1959. “His Name is Wonderful” is a beautiful melody, but the lyrics are what melt the hearts of those who sing it.

Below you’ll find these beautiful lyrics about the Name of Jesus. Perhaps these were some of the sentiments shared by Simeon and Anna. Or even Mary or Joseph. Speaking (or singing) the Name of Jesus is so precious. What a beautiful, wonderful Name!

“His Name is Wonderful”

His name is Wonderful, His name is Wonderful,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord;
He is the mighty King, master of everything,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.

He’s the great Shepherd, the Rock of all ages,
Almighty God is He;
Bow down before Him, love and adore Him,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.[i]

Click here to listen to this praise song.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna